Marcus Rashford inspired England to a much-needed victory to top Group B and ensured it was a disappointment for Wales as they crashed out of the tournament after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Wales needed to either beat England and hope the Iran-USA tie ended or pursue the more unlikely outcome of winning by four goals at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.
England, who now face Senegal in the last 16 on Sunday (19:00 GMT), ensured neither scenario was ever seriously considered as they produced an extraordinary first 45 minutes. After taking full control.
Wales manager Rob Page was forced to replace Gareth Bale at half-time through injury, although the great talisman had just seven touches in an anonymous display.
And any hope Wales had of qualifying for the last 16 ended as England scored twice within six minutes of the restart.
Rashford fired home Danny Ward’s free-kick after 50 minutes after Ethan Ampadu’s foul on Phil Foden, before the Manchester City midfielder headed home Harry Kane’s cross at the far post moments later. indicated his return to the team.
Wales were demoralized and outclassed as they knew they were going home to Qatar and Rashford scored his second goal in the 68th minute, assisted by Wales keeper Ward, with Wayne Hennessey suspended following a red card against Iran. Lee, who allowed a fierce shot to slip through his legs.
England top Group B with seven points, two ahead of the USA, who beat Iran 1-0 in their tight last-16 meeting with the Netherlands, while Wales are bottom of the table with one point
England is making steady progress.
It took time for England to click into top gear in the first half but once they were able to overpower Wales, they ended the World Cup in timid fashion.
And Rashford continued to make a big impact at this World Cup, his double coming after scoring with his first touch in England’s opening 6-2 win over Iran.
He missed a good chance in the first half when he was played in by Kane but his free-kick was the highlight and the second was the reward for his willingness to run through the Wales defense at pace. He almost had a hat-trick only for Ward to save his shot at the near post.
Rashford must now be seriously considered for a starting place when England face a tough test in Senegal as the knockout stages get under way.
Manager Gareth Southgate made four changes to his team that performed so poorly against the USA, with Rashford, Foden, Jordan Henderson and Kyle Walker fit again for Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount and Kieran Trippier.
It not only helped England run out easy winners but also gave valuable game time to members of the squad, particularly Walker, who is a key part of Southgate’s plans but will miss the Premier League final. Karr was able to undergo groin surgery.
